Women better suited to leadership in almost all areas

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Women are better suited to leadership than their male counterparts in almost all areas, according to new research.

The survey, conducted by Professor Øyvind L. Martinsen, found that female leaders scored higher than men in four of the five categories measured.

Women ranked higher in initiative and clear communication, openness and ability to innovate, sociability and supportiveness as well as methodical management and goal setting.

The research did find that women fell behind men in emotional stability and ability to withstand job-related pressure and stress.

Martinsen, head of Leadership and Organisational Behaviour at the BI Norwegian Business School, and Professor Lars Glasø surveyed the personality traits of more than 2,900 managers – more than 900 women, more than 900 in senior management and nearly 900 from the public sector.

Martinsen said, “Businesses must always seek to attract customers and clients and to increase productivity and profits.”

“Our results indicate that women naturally rank higher, in general, than men in their abilities to innovate and lead with clarity and impact.”

“These findings pose a legitimate question about the construction of management hierarchy and the current dispensation of women in these roles.”

Glasø said, “The survey suggests that female leaders may falter through their stronger tendency to worry – or lower emotional stability.”

“However, this does not negate the fact that they are decidedly more suited to management positions that their male counterparts.”

“If decision-makers ignore this truth, they could effectively be employing less qualified leaders and impairing productivity.”

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
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